Fibrus Expands Gigabit Broadband Rollout in Rural Cumbria

21,000 Additional Premises to Benefit from High-Speed Internet

In a major boost for digital connectivity in rural England, Fibrus has announced an extension of its £108 million Project Gigabit contract in Cumbria. The infracapital-backed network operator will now cover an additional 21,000 hard-to-reach homes and businesses, bringing lightning-fast broadband to some of the county’s most challenging areas.

The expanded rollout will connect communities like Leece, Threlkeld, Abbeytown, and the aptly-named hamlet of Slack Head. Residents in these areas can look forward to reliable, full-fibre broadband at affordable prices, with packages starting from just £24.99 per month.

Transforming Digital Infrastructure in Rural Areas

Dominic Kearns, CEO at Fibrus, highlighted the company’s commitment to bridging the digital divide. “We have been delivering Full Fibre broadband to some of the most challenging geographies and rural areas, ensuring no one gets left behind,” he said. “Being awarded this contract extension is a testament to the moves we have made so far, and we’re only just getting started.”

The extended contract, valued at £149.75 million, is expected to bring gigabit broadband to 99% of premises across Cumbria within the next few years. This achievement is even more impressive considering the county’s rural nature.

Shrinking the Digital Gap

Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant emphasized the importance of the project in reducing disparities between urban and rural areas. “Better broadband will not only enhance the quality of life for tens of thousands of homes and businesses across rural Cumbria, but it will also help us put an end to disparities between urban and rural areas,” he stated.

The announcement comes on the heels of the government’s recently launched Digital Inclusion Action Plan, which outlines steps to shrink the digital gap and ensure that people in rural areas have access to the tools they need to thrive in the digital age.

Exceptional Customer Uptake and Financial Performance

Fibrus is seeing strong demand for its services, with exceptional levels of customer uptake in both its subsidised and commercial footprints. The company expects penetration to exceed 27% overall and 34% in its subsidised areas by the end of March 2025, with some earlier cohorts already surpassing 50%.

Financially, Fibrus anticipates achieving EBITDA profitability for the coming financial year. Annualised recurring revenues in February 2025 have already exceeded £32 million and continue to grow steadily month-on-month.

A Bright Future for Rural Connectivity

As Fibrus continues to make strides in its mission to bring high-speed internet to underserved areas, the future looks bright for rural connectivity in the UK. With the Cumbria extension and the successful completion of Project Stratum in Northern Ireland, the company is well-positioned to play a leading role in the nation’s digital transformation.

For residents in rural Cumbria, the wait for reliable, high-speed broadband is finally coming to an end. As the rollout progresses, communities will be empowered to embrace the digital age, unlocking new opportunities for work, education, and entertainment.